The Space Between: An Outlander Novella

Joan MacKimmie is on her way to Paris to take up her vocation as a nun. Yet her decision is less a matter of faith than fear, for Joan is plagued by mysterious voices that speak of the future, and by visions that mark those about to die. The sanctuary of the nunnery promises respite from these unwanted visitations...or so she prays. Her chaperone is Michael Murray, a young widower who, though he still mourns the death of his wife, finds himself powerfully drawn to his charge.

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Publisher's Summary

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Diana Gabaldon returns to her Outlander universe in The Space Between, an irresistible novella brimming with adventure, history, and suspense - and available for the first time as a standalone audiobook.

Joan MacKimmie is on her way to Paris to take up her vocation as a nun. Yet her decision is less a matter of faith than fear, for Joan is plagued by mysterious voices that speak of the future, and by visions that mark those about to die. The sanctuary of the nunnery promises respite from these unwanted visitations...or so she prays. Her chaperone is Michael Murray, a young widower who, though he still mourns the death of his wife, finds himself powerfully drawn to his charge.

But when the time-traveling Comte St. Germain learns of Joan’s presence in Paris, and of her link to Claire Fraser - La Dame Blanche - Murray is drawn into a battle whose stakes are not merely the life but the very soul of the Scotswoman who, without even trying, has won his heart.

I have to confess that I am an Outlander addict. I love all the books in the series and I do believe Davina Porter is one of the best narrators I have heard. I have been counting the days for Diana Gabaldons next book so "The Space Between: An Outlander Novella" has been the perfect little taste before the next book. This audio book is only just over 4 hours long so it is a little pricey if you compare that to the 40+ hours of the other Outlander series books.This novella is just a fast little story about Michael Murry (Jamie and Clair's nephew.) Joan (Jamies step-daughter) who is on her way to the convent in France,the Comte St Germain (we all thought he was dead!) and best of all Master Raymond! Hearing Master Raymond was like hearing from an old friend! The story is really short and telling you more then what Amazon says in the description would be a spoiler I think. For me it was well worth the credit just because it has been so hard waiting for" Written in My Own Hearts Blood" but I have to say if Diana Gabaldon should write more books or novellas about these characters I would most definitely read or listen to them. I sure hope she does cause it would be way to hard to wait for the next book after this one!

This book is set in June 1778 when Joan McKimmie travels to France to enter a convent. Joan is accompanied by Michael Murray son of Ian and Jenny. Michael is mourning the recent death of his wife and his father. I won't go into the story other than to say this book will answer many questions raised thirty years before and is the perfect book to listen to whilst you wait for the 10th of June. Absolutely fascinating!

I'm thinking as long as it's written by Diana G and read by Davina P it will get 5 stars from me. If this is the start of a new series I'm in. It had me from the start and kept me spell bound to the end. I want more, thank you very much!!!!!!!!

I really loved this story and there's only one bad thing about it...I wish it was longer. I'm a fan of the Outlander series...the first two books in the series are definitely my two all time favorite books. I loved seeing a bunch of minor characters from the second book and seeing different view points from that time as those characters think back to the events that occurred in Dragonfly in Amber. There's no Jamie and Claire in this book but they are referenced a bunch of times and you see the impact they had on others. The two main characters in this book, Michael and Joan, and very interesting and I enjoyed reading about them. I just wish I had been able to spend MORE time with them...those 4 hours went by so fast.

Davina Porter is an excellent narrator. I always enjoy listening to her and her voice definitely suits the Outlander stories and works well with Diana Gabaldon's writing style. I definitely recommend this to anyone but definitely to fans of the Outlander series.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Space Between to be better than the print version?

I don't know, I didn't read this one in print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Space Between?

At the end when you find out why the Compte wasn't killed all those years ago.

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

Michael. I'm hoping he comes up again in later books.

If you could rename The Space Between, what would you call it?

I wouldn't. The name is perfect, and each person has their own definition. You have to read it to see.

Any additional comments?

While I did enjoy this book and am glad I read it, I think I could just tell friends in a sentence or two what happened and they wouldn't have lost much by having the bare bones facts vs listening. Which I would not say is the case with any of DG's other books, including A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows.

The author, Diana Gabaldon, evidently wrote this short story as a filler between book #7 and book #8. The two main characters are faimly to Jaime and Clare and you get to know them both much more than in previous stories. You suspect Michael and Joan play a more prominent role goin forward but you can only only guess what that might be. The book is 4 hours long and it was perfect for a 5 hour road trip. Davina Porter is great as the narrator as usual. The book really gets you ready for book 8.

What made the experience of listening to The Space Between the most enjoyable?

Davina Porter~~love her and the beautiful way she brings the characters to life.

Would you ever listen to anything by Diana Gabaldon again?

yes

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

All of them

Any additional comments?

I think this novella adds too much stuff that has never been mentioned before and is a little silly with the voices that Joan hears. Just a very odd story. Obviously wanting to go in a completely different direction with new characters but just really odd with people disappearing right before peoples eyes and such. I don't see this weird stuff as being associated with the wonderful story of Jamie, Claire and family.

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